Young Voices Drive Change at USP College: Citizen Essex Youth Assembly Inspires Action
Posted 16 Oct 2025
The immersive theatre at USP College buzzed with energy as over 200 young people, educators, and community leaders gathered, both in person and online, for the Citizen Essex Youth Assembly, a landmark event aimed at amplifying youth voices and shaping the future of Essex.
Hosted by USP College students Logan and James, with Freya expertly keeping time, the assembly showcased the power of collaboration and civic engagement. Attendees from schools, colleges, and universities across the county united under one mission: to identify key issues affecting young people and pledge actionable solutions ahead of the Mayoral Election Assembly in March 2026.
The event featured an inspiring keynote from Grace Akinyemi of Divine Assembly Ministries, Colchester, who outlined five steps to social change, setting the tone for a day of dialogue and determination. Interactive house meetings followed, where children and young adults took to the microphone to publicly pledge their commitment to listening and problem-solving on issues that matter most to Essex residents.
Today’s Youth Assembly at USP College was a powerful reminder of what happens when young voices are truly heard. Seeing students from across Essex come together to share their ideas and pledges for change was inspiring. This event not only gave young people the confidence to speak up but also created a real sense of unity and purpose. The conversations around transport, safety, and access to opportunities show just how committed these young leaders are to shaping a better future for their communities—and that benefits all of Essex.
Transport emerged as a dominant theme, with Chelmsford College students highlighting unreliable services that create barriers to education, healthcare, and employment—leading to isolation and anxiety.
USP College’s Logan issued a bold challenge to mayoral candidates: “Ride the Route 28 bus at the end of a college day and experience what we do.” Meanwhile, SEEAT pupils Darcey, Ellie, Lexie, Sujana, and Lily shared plans for deeper listening initiatives, and ARU’s Nisha introduced the Impact 24 Project, proposing a bus stop safety app, motion-sensor lighting, and reflective hoodies to improve student safety and sustainability.
The assembly’s purpose was clear: to build relational power among Essex’s educational institutions, ensure young people feel their voices matter, and prepare for meaningful engagement with mayoral candidates in 2026. Dr. Sebastien Chapleau, Assistant Director of Citizen Essex, closed the event by empowering students with strategies to build influence and drive systemic change.